Creating stunning foliage planters is a creative way to add vibrant textures, colors, and unique shapes to your garden, porch, or patio. Whether you’re using bold plants like Begonia rex or delicate ferns, foliage-focused planters can provide year-round interest without relying on flowers. In this post, I’ll guide you through the best foliage plants for containers, how to combine different plants for the best effect, and tips on how to care for your foliage garden. With options ranging from quirky head planters to elegant hanging baskets, the possibilities are endless.
Foliage Planter with Begonia Rex and Black Grass
For a bold and eye-catching foliage planter, try combining Begonia rex with black grass, variegated ground ivy, Nemesia denticulata, and black violas. Begonia rex, known for its vibrant, multicolored leaves, provides a striking focal point. Its large leaves come in shades of pink, green, red, and silver, making it a showstopper. Plant it in the center of your planter where it can stand out.
Next, add black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’) for contrast. Its deep black blades create a dramatic backdrop that complements the vibrant Begonia rex. This grass is low-maintenance and can grow in partial to full shade, making it perfect for your foliage planter.
To soften the overall look, include variegated ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea). The variegated leaves, with their green and white edges, add texture and movement as they spill over the edges of the planter. Nemesia denticulata, with its delicate, dainty flowers, brings a subtle pop of color and works well with other plants in partial shade. Finish off your foliage planter with black violas, which offer small, velvety flowers that echo the dark hues of the black grass, bringing the entire composition together.
This combination thrives in partial shade, so place your planter where it will receive morning sun but some protection from the harsh afternoon heat. Water regularly, ensuring the soil stays moist but not soggy, and fertilize every few weeks to encourage healthy growth.
Head Planters with Ferns and Ivy
One of the most whimsical ways to display foliage is by using head planters. These planters are shaped like human heads, and plants serve as the “hair,” creating a fun and artistic addition to your space. For a head planter, ferns and ivies are the perfect choice, as they naturally cascade over the sides, creating a wild and carefree “hairstyle.”
Ferns, such as Boston ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata), are ideal for head planters. Their lush green fronds spill over gracefully, providing soft texture and a vibrant green hue. You can also experiment with other fern varieties, such as maidenhair ferns (Adiantum), which have delicate, lace-like foliage.
Variegated ivy (Hedera helix) adds dimension with its striking green and white leaves that trail down the sides of the planter. This ivy is easy to care for and thrives in partial shade, making it perfect for porch or patio planters. If you want to add a fragrant twist, you can substitute ivy with mint (Mentha), which not only provides trailing foliage but also offers a fresh scent.
When planting ferns and ivy in a head planter, ensure the planter has good drainage. Ferns prefer consistently moist soil, while ivy or mint can tolerate slightly drier conditions. Water regularly and place the planter in a shaded spot for best results. You’ll end up with a playful and unique display that is sure to be a conversation starter.
Filigree Foliage Flower Box
For an elegant filigree foliage flower box, consider planting a mix of Heuchera ‘Palace Purple,’ lavenders, blue brachycome daisies, silver dust, and blue bacopa. Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’ is a stunning plant with deep purple leaves that offer a rich, luxurious tone to your planter. Its leaves are deeply lobed and provide beautiful texture.
To balance out the dark tones of Heuchera, include lavender (Lavandula), which has grayish-green foliage and a wonderful scent. The soft lavender flowers add subtle color while also attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Lavenders prefer full sun and well-drained soil, so ensure your flower box has good exposure to light.
Blue brachycome daisies (Brachyscome iberidifolia) add a cheerful note to the flower box, with their bright blue petals and yellow centers. These daisies thrive in sunny conditions and work beautifully alongside silver dust (Senecio cineraria), a silvery-gray foliage plant known for its soft, felt-like leaves. The combination of purple, green, blue, and silver creates a harmonious and calming display.
Finally, plant blue bacopa (Sutera cordata) to trail over the sides of the box. Its small, blue flowers and delicate leaves will spill gracefully from the edges, adding a soft touch to the overall planter. Place this flower box in a sunny location, water regularly, and fertilize once a month to keep your plants thriving.
Hanging Baskets with String Plants
If you want to create something truly unique, consider hanging baskets filled with various string plants. Plants like the string of turtles (Peperomia prostrata), string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus), string of dolphins (Senecio peregrinus), and string of frogs offer a delightful way to add cascading greenery to your porch or patio.
These string plants are easy to care for and thrive in well-drained soil. They prefer bright, indirect light and should be watered sparingly, as they are prone to root rot if overwatered. String of pearls, with its bead-like leaves, adds a touch of elegance, while string of turtles, with its small, round, turtle-shell-like leaves, offers texture and visual interest.
For an added layer of creativity, try mixing different string plants in the same basket or using a variety of hanging containers. You can also pair string plants with ferns or trailing ivies for a fuller, more dynamic look. Just be sure to hang the baskets in an area where they’ll receive enough light but are protected from intense afternoon sun.
Coleus Planter
Coleus is a perfect choice for creating a vibrant, colorful foliage planter. Its wide range of leaf colors, including deep purples, bright greens, reds, and pinks, makes it an eye-catching addition to any patio or garden space. To plant coleus in a container, start by choosing a pot with good drainage. A medium-sized pot works well, as coleus has shallow roots. Fill the planter with a well-draining potting mix, and mix in organic compost to promote healthy growth.
When planting coleus, space the plants about 6-8 inches apart to allow for full, bushy growth. Place your planter in a spot that gets partial shade or indirect light, as coleus tends to thrive in these conditions. While some newer varieties can tolerate more sun, too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch.
Water the coleus regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks during the growing season helps encourage lush foliage. Regularly pinch back the stems to promote a bushier plant, and remove any flower spikes to keep the focus on the vibrant leaves. With proper care, coleus will provide stunning color in your planter all season long.
Experiment with Unique Planters
One of the joys of creating foliage planters is experimenting with different types of pots and plant combinations. You can repurpose vintage containers, such as old teapots, metal buckets, or wooden crates, to create planters that reflect your personal style. Ferns and ivies are especially versatile and can be used in almost any type of planter. Whether you choose to create a minimalist display or go for a lush, overgrown look, foliage plants offer endless possibilities for creativity.
Happy Foliage Gardening
Foliage planters allow you to play with textures, colors, and shapes, creating unique displays that are both beautiful and easy to care for. Whether you’re planting bold combinations like Begonia rex and black grass, or experimenting with whimsical head planters filled with ferns and ivy, there’s a foliage planter for every style. By choosing the right plants and pots, and providing the necessary care, you can create stunning foliage arrangements that thrive on your porch, patio, or garden. So, grab your favorite planter and start experimenting with foliage to bring your garden to life!
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